Electronic Gaming Monthly: Prep School

Step 1: Hit the road — Gas up your hydraulic’d Winnebago and bounce your way out of Compton, CA. Scoot north to San Francisco’s Upper Haight, then bet on black on the Las Vegas Strip. Head back to Compton with mad skrilla and a backseat full of Fatburger wrappers. Total drive time: 19 hours. Distance: 1,250 miles.

Step 2: Rent some good hood flicks — While cruising city to city, fire up Boyz the Hood on the DVD, followed by Menace II Society and Casino. While Colors fits the game’s vibe, as does the chase scene in Bullitt, both flicks are more dated than the concept of Ebonics.

Step 3: Crank up the Muzak — Hit Streetside Records for West Coast rap’s must-haves. Grab NWA’s Straight Outta Compton, Dr. Dre’s groundbreaking The Chronic, and Snoop Doggy Dogg’s debut (with the ever so subtle title) Doggystyle. Crank those explicit lyrics Office Space–style.

Step 4: Play early ’90s urban dress-up — For the men, throw on an Ocean Pacific top, hop into a pair of overalls with one strap undone, and put Timbos on the toes. For the ladies, a baggy Hypercolor T with shoulder pads, spandex stirrup pants, and a pair of Tretorns will do. Hot, hot, hot! Honorable mention: Those dope-ass MC Hammer pants and a Charlotte Hornets Starter jacket. Make with the street talk (see next page) and you’re fierce.